Huami Magazine Indianapolis - Jan./Feb. 2026

God Wants A Yes!

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter from the Editor

Stop running. When these two words were spoken to me, it was as if the life I knew and was familiar with had vanished. Stop running. An awakening had happened in my spirit. The search for the answers to all my troubles and pains had come to a sudden halt. Stop running. Everything that I thought mattered most began to fade away, and almost instantaneously, the realization and onset of what truly mattered began to reveal itself. God, and because He loves His children so much, had sent His Holy Spirit to ask me again to follow Him, totally. God wanted my “yes”.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

The “yes” that God was seeking involved me trusting in Him. For a great portion of my life, I did what I wanted to do, moved how I wanted to move, and made a lot of messes in the process. Yet, it was only because of the grace and mercies of God that I’ve survived. Many decisions I made were not presented to God beforehand, and the outcomes were very similar, saturated with failures and disappointments. Still, God has provided grace, and I know it’s only because He loves me.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

As a young boy, I called on the name of God, and asked for His help. I now know that He heard me. God’s hand has always been over my life, yet the time had arrived for me to stop running away from what His interest has always been in me; to submit totally and give Him my “yes”.

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The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

Giving God my “yes” opened a window of clarity. To my spirit, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper alignment, submission, forgiveness, peace, purpose, discipline, eternity, accountability, obedience, trust, faithfulness, power, courage, love, integrity, completeness, favor, mercy, and grace.

In the Bible, the word of God says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV). I find it quite amazing that God continues to care for me as much as to send the Holy Spirit after me. I gave God my “yes”, and in doing so, there wasn’t a huge fireworks display or opening of the sky. It only involved me totally submitting and surrendering to God, and the calling He has on my life. Giving God my “yes” opened my eyes to what I had been running from; His total and unconditional love. God wants a “yes”.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

INDIANAPOLIS

Indianapolis, IN

Free Caregiving Support Group Victory4Kidz

Gary, IN

Fireside Chat by Gary COC

Mayor Eddie Melton Branding 4

Learn more about the journey of Jacquin Long. She is the face and founder of Long Lasting Life LLC. Greensboro, NC

He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. His name is Asiah Apple

Victory4Kidz Offers Free Caregiving Support Group

February 8th, 2026 - In Person and Via Zoom

By Dr. Regina Beard

As a caregiver, I know how overwhelming this journey can feel. I cared for my father during the last year of his life while raising two teenagers and supporting other family members. There were good days and not-so-good days. I still miss hearing him call my name, watching him get dressed to go to the barbershop, and sharing our busy morning routines.

Even as a registered nurse with more than seven years of experience, I felt lost trying to navigate the system. Finding dependable caregivers who would uphold our family’s standards and truly blend in with our family was challenging. Mornings felt especially heavy. It was during that time I realized I needed to be his daughter—not his nurse. I had to lean on my support system and accept help from the social workers at the hospital and the nurse practitioners who visited once a month.

If you’re living this life right now — please know this: you are not alone. That’s why I invite you to join us for VicTory at Home, our monthly caregiver support group. This supportive gathering offers a safe space for caregivers to connect, share, and be encouraged. You’ll hear from industry experts and connect with others who truly understand this journey.

Attend in person or join us virtually via Zoom — whatever works best for you. Use the link below to register for either the in-person gathering or the Zoom option:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4rcpo cMEaa5pkkSDXtrr2b2P6gFrF54S32FPdrNC2XXe5zw/ viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=115139453517233366110

In-Person Support Group

February 7, 2026

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Hobart Chamber 1001 Lillian Street, Hobart, IN Lunch Will Be Provided

If this speaks to you — or someone you love — please know you don’t have to walk this journey alone. We would be honored to support you. h

Mayor Eddie Melton Announces Upcoming Fireside Chat Hosted by Gary Chamber of Commerce

Information obtained from Online at www.gary.gov

The Gary Chamber of Commerce will host an upcoming Fireside Chat designed to strengthen connections between the City of Gary’s leadership and the local business community. The event moderated by Mayor Eddie Melton will take place on Tuesday, February 10, at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

This evening of dialogue and networking will bring together business leaders, stakeholders, and community members for a candid discussion on Gary’s economic future, industrial growth, and strategic partnerships. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to tune into Mayor Melton and key industry representatives shaping the city’s continued revitalization.

“True progress happens when we break down silos and have honest conversations about where we are and where we are going. I am honored to moderate this discussion because it gives our stakeholders a front-row seat to the economic strategy shaping our city. By bringing industry leaders and the community together in one room, we ensure that our path to revitalization is transparent, inclusive, and focused on real results.”

The Gary Chamber of Commerce views the Fireside Chat as an important platform for collaboration and transparency.

“The Gary Chamber is thrilled to bring the business community together for this intimate and informative evening,” said Paul Dawning, Board Chair of the Gary Chamber. “Connecting our local industries with city administration is essential to our growth, and the Fireside Chat format encourages the kind of open dialogue that moves Gary forward.”

Event Agenda

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Networking Hour (Hors d’oeuvres will be served)

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Fireside Chat and Audience Q&A

Mayor Eddie Melton will moderate a focused discussion on economic development, industrial expansion, and publicprivate collaboration. The panel will feature representatives from leading organizations, including U.S. Steel and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Admission to the event is $50.00 per person. Those interested can purchase tickets online through Eventbrite. h

Branding 4 Success, LLC YolandaM.Smith

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Yolanda M. Smith

Yolanda M. Smith of Indianapolis, IN, is a personal branding expert and business strategist, a four-time best-selling author, and an international speaker known for helping professionals and entrepreneurs turn their expertise into influence, opportunity, and long-term growth. Known as the Brandthrupist, she is the Founder of Branding 4 Success.

Branding 4 Success (B4S) is a business consulting and professional development firm specializing in brand building, business strategy, and leadership training. Yolanda and her team partner with entrepreneurs and small business owners to build powerful brands, strengthen market positioning, and implement strategies that drive sustainable profitability. She says, “We support corporate organizations with high-impact solutions that drive leadership excellence to equip teams and leaders with the skills to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Through our signature programs, coaching, and corporate training, B4S empowers clients to elevate visibility, expand influence, and achieve measurable business success.”

Some additional products and services B4S offers include keynote speaking, workshops, and masterclasses for corporate, academic, and professional audiences, as well as working closely with entrepreneurs and coaches who are building and scaling their brands. They offer brand and business strategy consulting, executive and career coaching, and leadership development programs tailored to both individual and organizational needs. For entrepreneurs and coaches, the work centers on helping them clearly articulate their value, strengthen their positioning, and build influence that translates into opportunity and income. Within organizations, Branding 4 Success helps leaders and teams understand how personal brand, presence, and communication contribute to overall brand equity. Yolanda says, “When individuals show up with clarity and confidence, organizations benefit through stronger alignment, trust, and credibility. Through signature frameworks and curated training experiences, clients gain practical strategies that move them from effort to results.”

Yolanda’s professional journey began in corporate America, where she held sales and senior leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Those years, she says, strengthened her strategic perspective and deepened her appreciation for the complexity of leadership and influence within organizations. “While in corporate America, I observed that many highly skilled professionals were doing exceptional work, yet often lacked the language, confidence, or positioning to fully communicate their value, build meaningful relationships, and stand out in decision-making environments. That realization became a defining moment for me, and ultimately shaped the foundation of my entrepreneurial work.”

When individuals show up with clarity and confidence, organizations benefit through stronger alignment, trust, and credibility.

At her core, Yolanda is deeply rooted in family and legacy. She is a wife, a mother of two, and a proud grandmother. Family keeps her grounded and continues to influence how she defines success. Yolanda holds a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, and an executive leadership certificate from Georgetown University. She is a certified Brand Analyst and DEI Communicator. While education provided structure, real-world experience shaped her perspective. She adds that impact is not just professional recognition, but building something meaningful that creates options, stability, and confidence for future generations.

Today, Yolanda is committed to helping people close the gap between the work they do and the results they experience. By clarifying their value and strengthening how they show up, she helps them gain greater influence, create meaningful impact, and earn in ways that reflect their expertise.

Huami Magazine was fortunate to feature Yolanda a few years ago. Since then, her brand and business have expanded in both reach and credibility. She earned the 2025 Stevie Award for Best Mentor or Coach of the Year and received the 2024 Inc. Magazine Power Partner Award, recognitions that reflected the depth of work and transformation her clients were experiencing. During this time, Yolanda continued to grow her platform as an international speaker, delivering training and keynotes across professional, corporate, and academic spaces, while sharpening her focus on leadership presence and strategic positioning. She also expanded her body of work as an author and released additional books, including BRANDfluence: Ignite Your Brand Power on Social Media for Results and Revenue, which received the International Impact Book Award. Her newest release is The Coach’s Code. She says these projects allowed her to further articulate the frameworks and perspectives she is known for around visibility, credibility, and sustainable growth.

During the course of the last two years, Yolanda has created and hosted experiences that have helped thousands of women unlock their brand and business potential and brought my community together in a more elevated and intentional way, including BRANDfluence, a premier in-person personal branding experience. Designed for entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals, BRANDfluence blended luxury, learning, and meaningful connection, offering expert-led master clinics, personalized brand support, strategic networking, and an exclusive VIP mastermind experience. “The goal was simple but powerful: to help attendees strengthen their presence, elevate their credibility, and translate visibility into real influence and results,” Yolanda says.

While Yolanda has experienced impressive growth in her business and career, it has not come without challenges. She says, “This past year required a real recalibration for me. Whew, there is truth to only the strong survive. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than 300,000 Black women lost their jobs, and by the end of the year, over 800,000 women were unemployed. Many of the people I serve were not just thinking about growth; they were navigating transition, uncertainty, and hard decisions about what came next. That naturally shifted the coaching and professional development landscape. At the same time, rising costs and a more cautious economy made people slower to invest, and I experienced disruptions in digital advertising when my ad accounts were hacked, which impacted multiple income streams. Add the rapid rise of AI and the belief that technology could replace coaches, it became clear that the market was changing in real time.” She has weathered these storms by adjusting. “I made a strategic pivot. I leaned more heavily into organizational and corporate work and developed the Brand Builders Leadership Academy, allowing me to support leaders at scale, strengthen leadership presence, and help organizations build brand equity from the inside out. This shift was both strategic and necessary, aligning the business with where the opportunity truly existed.”

Yolanda is driven and inspired by watching someone move past self-doubt, let go of the beliefs that have kept them playing small, and pursue what they feel called to do. She says her work is about helping them see what is already there, build the confidence to trust it, and make bold, intentional moves toward the life and work they want. Whether that looks like greater fulfillment, leadership, impact, or success, her motivation comes from walking alongside people as they step into their purpose with clarity and courage.

Looking to the future, Yolanda hopes to incorporate more balance into her life, and says, “I have worked hard. I am intentional about being present, protecting my time, and enjoying life beyond work. That means meaningful time with my family, space to travel, and room to live fully, not just produce. Professionally, the focus is on working smarter and making a real impact. I am committed to growing Branding 4 Success in ways that are sustainable, profitable, and aligned. At every stage, my mission remains grounded in helping people show up authentically, lead with confidence, and build something that reflects their true value. When that chapter closes, my focus will turn fully to empowering families and small businesses to access their rights, because protection and peace of mind are equally important as success.” I

Joslyn RW Kelly J’s Breakfast Club

Love To Live

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Joslyn RW Kelly

Joslyn RW Kelly can be considered a globetrotter, as she has seen many parts of the world. She is the youngest of two, born to her parents, who migrated to Gary, IN, from the southern community of Tuscaloosa, AL, by way of Germany and the US Air Force. Today, she proudly calls Gary home.

Joslyn was raised in a family that believed that through getting knowledge, you also get understanding. By doing so, one can unlock many of the mysteries that life has to offer. She is a graduate of Lew Wallace High School (by way of Culver Girls’ Academy and AFS Foreign Exchange Student in Linz, Austria) and earned her Masters Degree in Economics from Spelman Collegein Atlanta, GA. She acquired her MBA with a concentration in finance from Keller Graduate School of Management. Joslyn concluded her formal education as a doctoral student.

Today, Joslyn is the owner of Divine Strategy LLC (dba) J’s Breakfast Club. Divine Strategy is the original company she started in her 20’s, and was called Strategic Solutions. As Joslyn progressed through life, experiences taught her that there is only one solution that is divinely appointed and assigned. “ I don’t believe that things don’t just happen, but they happen justly. There can be only one strategy, and it’s divine, as His will shall be done in all things, regardless of what I may think or know,” she says.

J’s Breakfast Club, which has grown to include J’s Supper Club, is not just a casual dining establishment that serves American cuisine with a soulful flair. However, it is an experience to cultivate and emit love. “Most people first find love across the kitchen table, and our goal is to reconnect people to that love through the satisfying of all of the senses. Food made with love is just the beginning as we pride ourselves in doing what we love, for the people we love, where we love, and that is what sets us apart from the rest,” Joslyn says.

Joslyn shares that her brand’s vision was born from ashes. She adds, “Beginning in 2007, my life began to descend. I was in a position where I was attaining goals set for me and making strides, but I wasn’t happy. I went from being in a relationship that I thought I wanted most to being married and in a partnership. Although I was in that relationship, my partner wasn’t. And consequently, after many tumultuous episodes, including a 72-hour hold on the mental floor of the hospital, I began to re-emerge wanting more for myself and slowly discovered how disconnected I had become from reality.”

The partnership Joslyn described led her into restaurant ownership. While it was not her idea, she was totally committed to its success. The venture succeeded almost immediately, all while she maintained a full-time job in banking, consulted for other businesses, and worked on her doctorate degree. Eventually, the partnership ended, and the restaurant closed. She would soon move to Dallas, TX, and resided there for two years. She found new love in Dallas, and due to many new challenges that happened in her life, Jolsyn moved back to Gary, she says, to stand firmly in the presence of her responsibility to family, self, and her community. “Leaving Texas was bittersweet, and I promised myself that I would return once my son graduated from high school and was firmly planted on his journey as a man in this world,” she shares. Her son graduated and entered the US Army, and was determined that his family would not pay for his education or finance his dreams of being a business owner. “My son chose to serve and took absolute joy in being a soldier. Life also attacked him continuously as he worked hard to find his place in this world, which is marred by so many things, especially for a Black man. Unfortunately, at 19 and a half years old, he made the decision that the unknown carried much less weight than migrating this physical world, and died by suicide while actively serving in the US Army in Clarksville, TN. His final words to me are now the continuous soundtrack that plays in my head. “Mom, I love you, but I am done living.” These transformative words have impacted me in such a way that my mantra is now “Love to Live”. We all know

things will get rough during this thing called life, making it difficult to live, let alone love to live. However, in those times, I am encouraged to “Live to Love”. I live for things that I love, including honoring his legacy and the story he tells from the spirit through the ripples still trailing the oceans of life that we yet tread,” Joslyn shared.

As if losing her son to suicide wasn’t enough, six months after his passing, she lost her job, an experience she says catapulted her into a reality that focuses on living, loving, being, and doing. “My aim is to be an intentional, responsible steward so that everything will be blessed in my life.”

Managing her business, particularly a service-based one, requires Joslyn to engage with and connect to her customers. That works well for her, as she has a natural love for people. “People inspire me. I am fortunate to witness people’s resilience daily. I see folks light up as they are inspired and straighten their posture when they are confirmed in who they are and what they provide. I am inspired by folks who aimlessly wander, looking for something they already possess. The best part is the mirror that reflects back on me. This journey has allowed me to understand the power of a ‘victor’ and the limiting guise of allowing the label of ‘victim’ to quarantine the possibilities of everything that is available, for which I am capable of doing, seeing, believing, and becoming.”

When asked who or what has impacted her life the most, she surprisingly shares that it’s herself. “It is I who has contributed to my losses, my gains, my wins, my lessons, and my journey. For more than forty years, I have waged a war against myself, and now, as I have entered my fifties, I am so content in allowing myself grace and extending it to others,” she says. For others who may follow a path similar to hers, Joslyn advises them to be strong, be of good courage, and count it all joy. “To whom much is given, much is required. Just do it. Dare to dream and make it happen!”

Looking ahead, Joslyn hopes to empower her team to become more independent. She also plans to further her development goals to bring change to her community through additional facilities for aspiring businesses, affordable housing, and the creation of spaces to improve socio-economic development. “I am excited for what’s to come and experience.” h

Zirconia & Deseape

Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Zirconia Vansawau

Zirconia Vansawau, along with her husband, Deseape, are the owners of Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats. Their company’s mission is to make its Caribbean flavors available everywhere. Along with making island dishes accessible with some vegan variations, they strive to highlight Black culture across the diaspora and celebrate the contributions of African ancestry. By showcasing young, black entrepreneurship, they hope to inspire our peers and the next generation to take the leap and build something that everyone can enjoy.

“At Vansauwa’s Tacos, we combine my Bajan heritage,” Zirconia says. “We do this with the spice of our company’s namesake, co-owner and flavor king Desaepa Vansauwa. Together, we bring our clients creative tacos and vegan dishes that are sure to please.” While they both have a love for food, it’s their roots that have helped Vansuawa’s Tacos and Vegan Easts succeed.

Launched in 2018, Vansauwa’s Tacos is inspired by the flavors, sounds, and sights of the Caribbean that many people only taste on vacation to the islands. It all happened under a Caribbean Taco Tent. “The Caribbean Taco Tent turned out to be a hit, with customers waiting in long lines just to get a taste of our creation. My dad even hopped on the prep line to quickly slice and dice fresh mangoes and to show how it’s really done on the grill,” Zirconia says.

While the Caribbean Taco Tent helped get their name out in their company, their company, Zirconia, says, actually began by accident. “After testing out their jerk chicken taco with family and friends across the country, we accidentally booked our first festival event. I was asking around on how to be a vendor at the Clarksville Vintage Market in Clarksville, TN. I was instructed to complete the vendor application, and surprisingly, we were accepted. We rushed out to purchase a pop-up tent, a Blackstone griddle, and coolers, and the rest of the story has continued.”

Some of the flavors offered by Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats include the Island Chicken Taco, Cajun Fish Taco, Jerk Chicken Taco, Black Power Taco, a dish that uses tender black beans that are seasoned then grilled with sweet corn and jalapeno before filling a corn or flour tortilla. It is topped with homemade guac and a vegan sour cream. They also have a Jackfruit Taco, and Golden Goddess, which offers Portobello mushrooms, red onions, and yellow sweet peppers that are grilled along with a corn tortilla, and topped with guac. They also offer Nachos, Quesadillas, Bowls, and a whole lot more.

Zirconia and Deseape are both former residents of Hopkinsville, KY. Zirconia was actually born in Germany, as her father, who is a native of Barbados, was in the US Military, and her mom is from Kentucky. Zirconia attended Western Kentucky University and majored in Journalism. She went on to work at a daily newspaper and served as Editor in Chief. Deseape also attended the same high school as Zirconia in Hopkinsville. He moved to California during his senior year in high school, but soon made his way back to Kentucky.

Presently, Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats is licensed to do business in three states: Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee. Zirconia shares that what they love most about their company is the freedom that it allows. “We now have two small children, and they are the primary reason why we work so hard. We want to build something they can take on and move the company forward more than we have. The support from our evergrowing customer base also inspires us. We started our company as a means to show other young, black couples how to build their own way and blaze their own path.”

While building their company, Zirconia and Deseape have encountered a few challenges along the way. One has been the changing of the seasons. “This is our seventh year in business, and during our third and fourth year in the food truck, we realized the winters in Kentucky and Tennessee are very harsh. Deseape’s family resides in Mobile, and that is why we decided to go further south,” she says. Also, they have faced financial challenges, such as having the capital to fund their big dreams. “Deseape has a background in contract negotiations. He has been very effective with talking with people and helping us get the things that we need.”

When asked if there is anything they would do differently regarding their journey in business, Zirconia says they wish they had started sooner. The advice they offer to other aspiring business owners is to start somewhere. “A lot of us get lost in the weeds when trying to have everything planned out perfectly. Start small, and once you see that you have the support, keep going. Also, plan out, but don’t get lost in the plan to the point where you never take action.”

Looking ahead, Zirconia and Deseape are looking at brick and mortar locations in Mobile, AL, and Hopkinsville, KY. Their goal is to outfit a shipping container, as they say, it really goes along with their food truck, food trailer theme. With good food, and having a strong belief in themselves, Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eatsansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats are sure to succeed no matter where they plant themselves. h

Queen City Robotics Alliance Robert Hillman

“Your

Home For Charlotte Area Robotics”

By Terry L. Watson

Robert Hillman of Charlotte, NC, is proof that when we give with good intentions, all good things will return. Rob is the Chief Executive Officer of Queen City Robotics Alliance, Inc (QCRA). QCRA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Charlotte that is engaged in competitive robotics – think AAU robotics. It was founded in 2014 by Lia Schwinghammer initially as an umbrella fundraising entity for FIRST® teams and events in Charlotte, NC. FIRST is an acronym for For Inspiration and Recognition and Science and Technology. Its mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor- and project-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life skills, including selfconfidence, communication, and leadership. Unlike other youth sports leagues, everyone in FIRST “goes pro.”

Rob is the son of Robert and Mary Hillman. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, but was raised in Brooklyn, NY. His mother was a PTA President and Community Advocate, and his father was a Master Sergeant in the US Marines. Having his parents as role models, Robert says, instilled in him the idea of service and the sense that he must do for others. Robert’s father passed away when he was a young boy, yet the impression was already in place and set the trajectory for his life.

In Brooklyn, Robert attended the public school system. The schools he attended were P.S. 241 and I.S. 320. He also attended Stuyvesant High School. Rob’s preparation to attend Stuyvesant High School was aided by his participation in the NTA Math & Chess Club in Brooklyn. This opportunity allowed Rob to work alongside Black engineers sponsored by the National Technical Association (NTA). It also opened the doors for Rob to attend MIT at the age of 17. At MIT, Rob studied Electrical Engineering and was focused on the physics of materials and how light interacts with materials. As an engineer, Rob worked for Teradyne Corporation and Optron Systems, a start-up company founded by one of his professors, Cardinal Warde, who hails from Barbados.

I didn’t get here on my own. I didn’t get to attend MIT, travel the world as an investment banker on my own. People have helped me along the way.”

After working as an engineer for seven years, Rob attended NYU Stern School of Business and earned an MBA in Finance and International Business. He would also work for Barclays and Bank of America, and both companies required Rob to travel for work, including outside of the United States. He shares, “It’s a very interesting experience when you travel outside of the United States. People looked at me as enabled and capable, versus unable and incapable, in the US. Often in rooms in the US, I got the look as if I didn’t belong. In Europe, Asia, and Africa, I was received based on my credentials and what I could offer.”

Rob is especially proud of his daughter, Braeanna, who earned her Master’s Degree in Public Health from Tulane University, served on the Pre K - 12 COVID-19 Planning Team of the Office of State Superintendent of Education in Washington, D.C., and is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing.

The goal is to promote exposure to STEM as a workforce development tool so that after moving throughout our facility, the students can get a good idea of what they want to do.”

Now, at this stage of Rob’s life, his focus is on helping children understand what they enjoy and what their interests are. He serves as the CEO of Queen City Robotics Alliance Inc., located in Charlotte, NC. Queen City Robotics manages a 12,000-square-foot competitive robotics practice facility in the Steel Creek community. They have three leagues onsite: the Elementary School League (FIRST Lego League), the Middle School League (FIRST Tech Challenge), and the High School League (FIRST Robotics Competition). Each of them requires a practice field where they can build, design, and test their robots for competition. The facility comes outfitted with fabrication equipment, including drills, saws, lathes, milling machines, and 3-D printers; all of the things that students need to bring their ideas to life. There are also pits where the students can build their robots and store their equipment, such as wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, markers, and more. The students also have access to a collaboration space with whiteboards where they can draw and discuss their ideas, as well as storyboard their presentations.

Rob explains that the facility’s purpose is to promote upward economic mobility through exposure to STEMbased careers. To achieve this, the organization uses several programs, including FIRST Robotics, NASA Space Apps, and coding after-school and summer camp classes.

“The goal is to promote exposure to STEM (including Artificial Intelligence) as a workforce development tool so that, by moving throughout our facility, students gain a clear understanding of potential career pathways, can access high-paying STEM jobs available to those with the necessary training, and help ensure the local economy has the skilled workforce it needs to succeed,” Rob says.

He adds that competitive robotics is a particularly effective approach to engage the next generation.

“Instead of sitting kids down and lecturing them, we create a space where they can compete and use their creativity to actively engage. In a way, we trick them into understanding math and science and they enjoy it.”

When asked what drives him, Rob says it all comes down to the path he has traveled. “I didn’t get here on my own. I didn’t get to attend MIT or travel the world as an investment banker on my own. People have helped me along the way. When I was in middle school, I loved to play basketball. The building I lived in had a fire escape with a ladder. The ladder’s rungs were what we used as our basket. The first rung was one point, the second rung was two points, and the third rung was three points. We used to play in front of the apartment window of Mr. Emmitt. To preserve his property, and likely his peace, he bought us an actual basketball hoop and attached it to a building down the street, away from his window. Mr. Emmitt used his own money to support the kids in his neighborhood, and that modeling stuck with me.” He also acknowledges the NTA’s Math and Chess program for helping shape his life, among others.

Queen City Robotics’ goal is to offer its program to students from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. The average cost per student is $2,200 and does not include transportation to and from the facility, which could add an additional $2,000 using rideshare companies. “We rely on the generosity of state and local governments, corporations, and individuals to lower the barriers for students to participate.”

Another challenge has been getting African American students and young women involved. He says, “We need more African American and Hispanic kids to be involved with our program. We also need young women. We have formed partnerships with organizations such as the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte, where most of our African American students come from. We look forward to working with the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers to increase the diversity of our teams. We also need more mentors – of all ethnicities – who are ready to step up and coach kids. We don’t require our coaches to be technical experts, only that they have a clean record and interest in giving back to the next generation.”

As a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rob has leaned on other historically Black fraternities and sororities (the “Divine 9”) for support, mentors, and students. “To increase the ‘cool factor’ and boost our numbers, we have become more social media savvy and are exploring additional ways to expand our reach to more mentors and students.

What is next for Queen City Robotics? Rob says they are bursting at the seams at their existing facility. “We are exploring opening additional facilities around our county. We have 300 kids and 22 teams at our current facility and could probably accommodate an additional three or four teams now, but that would be it. As mentioned, we will continue to invest in STEM and are looking for ways to bring more African Americans, Hispanics and young women into our program. We will continue to focus on building up our Summer and After School Classes. Lastly, we will attack our goal of raising $500,000 to enhance operational efficiency and improve access to our programs for income-challenged families. Our country depends on the success of our students and our programs.”

To support Queen City Robotics Alliance,Inc., please consider a generous donation at www.givebutter.com/qcrasustain

For more information, please visit Queen City Robotics’ website – www.queencityrobotics.org

Queen City Robotics Alliance Acknowledges and Thanks The Following Supporters

Board of Directors

Mark Rohlinger

Kaiwen Cheng

Tamara Cornish

Christian Dow

Paul Henry

Niteesh Elias

Puneet Mody

Individual Donors

Randy Sergesketter

Brian and Laina Keiger

Peter Greishop

Staff

Robbie Hoyler

Iaiela Dumitrescu

Korey Gaddy

Jordan Lopez

Ray Kimble

Carrie Dow

Corporations/Foundations

Bosch Rexroft

Sullenburger Museum

Materials Handling Industry of America

Ashley Furniture

John Deere

Infosys

Arts and Science Council of Me

Society of Information Management - Charlotte

PMMI Foundation

Recore Electric

Jones Lang LaSalle

Corporations/Foundations

Columbus McKinnon

Faster Glass

Beacon Partners

Dual Boot

Salant Family Foundation

Cheng Family

Jacquin Long Long Lasting Life, LLC

CPR TRAINING & CRYOTHERAPY

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

Jacquin Long is the owner of Long Lasting Life LLC. Her company is a dual mobile service that provides Targeted Cryotherapy Services and CPR & First Aid Training courses. Her mobile one-stop wellness business combines lifesaving skills and recovery options that assist in improving survival rates, reducing healthcare and drug costs, and enhancing quality of life for her clients and her community.

Jacquin shares that targeted cryotherapy is a form of natural cold therapy treatment to alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, migraine symptoms, and promote recovery for athletes. “We have provided cryotherapy services for premier athletic events and elite athletes, including the John Wall Holiday Tournament, Nike Elite Basketball League (EYBL) Tournament, Peach Jam, Chris Paul’s CP3 AAU Basketball Team, and the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Cryotherapy can also be used to instantly reduce inches from the waistline and reduce the visibility of facial wrinkles by promoting collagen production to tighten and brighten the skin. We also provide certified hands-on lifesaving education for individuals, healthcare providers, and businesses to create a community of prepared, confident responders.”

Along with her twin sister Janee, Jacquin was raised by their father Jackie Long and mother Cathy Brooks Long, in the small town of Cedar Grove, N.C. Jacquins says her family relocated to Eden, N.C., to accommodate her father’s job at Miller Brewing Company. She adds, “While in middle school, after my grandmother suffered a stroke, a Physical Therapist regularly visited her home. I was a student athlete with knee pain, and observing the therapy my grandmother received, I decided to pursue a career in healthcare. I became a CNA in high school and furthered my education at East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Services and Information Management and Athletic Training”. Jacquin continued her education and went on to earn a Master of Science in Rehabilitation & Sports Science and a Doctorate in Kinesiology. Her certifications include Orthopedic Physician Extender, Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer, Registered Orthopedic Technologist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Cryotherapist, & CPR and First Aid Instructor. Jacquin is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.

Jacquin’s vision to start her company began while she was in her youth. She says, “Growing up, I saw multiple family members diagnosed with cardiac conditions, some of whom later passed away. That inspired me to start a CPR and First Aid company. With my last name being Long, coming up with the business name “Long Lasting Life” was a seamless process. Our motto is “Teaching Life Long Skills to Help Save Lives”. Two years into owning the business, I realized that it was not generating sufficient income, so I began working part-time as a Kinesiology adjunct at NC A&T State University. While teaching my Athletic Injury Prevention and Treatment course, I introduced cryotherapy and realized the service was not available locally, leading me to expand the business to include a mobile cryotherapy service. That move led me to change the motto of my company to “The cold that heals. The training that saves”.

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Jacquin says it’s the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others. Whether working full-time at the hospital, providing cryotherapy through her business to relieve knee or back pain, or teaching lifesaving classes, she appreciates being able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She adds that she draws inspiration from God and the success she has experienced. “I approach my work with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, allowing faith to guide my vision and leadership in accomplishing the mission. This foundation shapes every decision I make, strengthens my resilience in the face of challenges, and fuels a genuine passion for serving others with intention and care. Guided by faith and a mindset of continual growth, I strive each day to be a better person than I was the day before, leading with humility, compassion, and clarity so that my work reflects values greater than success alone.”

“While in middle school, after my grandmother suffered a stroke, a Physical Therapist regularly visited her home. I was a student athlete with knee pain, and observing the therapy my grandmother received, I decided to pursue a career in healthcare.”

Jacquin also acknowledges the impact her father has had on her life. She says, “My father is my motivator and biggest supporter who has never wavered. As the son of sharecroppers who grew up poor, he never let his circumstances impact his outcome. I watched him sacrifice and work hard to be a successful provider for his family, all while maintaining morals, integrity, and values. My father has always instilled in me, “Trust God, work hard, stay humble, and treat people right, and everything else will take care of itself”.

As a small business owner and one who focuses on providing a specific service, Jacquin has encountered a few challenges here and there. One in particular is Time Management. “Balancing a full-time career as an orthopedic professional while running a business, and ensuring every client receives exceptional care, has been challenging. Providing the best service to every client remains my top priority. Through organization, disciplined time management, and intentional planning, each client is given the dedicated attention they deserve. As I have remained deeply rooted in the purpose behind my work, it has allowed for continued focus and clarity. Planned self-care days have supported a healthy work–life balance, prevented burnout, and helped me to sustain the highest standard of care,” Jacquin says. “I’m learning to delegate when I can and give myself grace. My favorite bible verse is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. I am learning daily to be still and surrender control in things that I can’t control so that I can fully acknowledge God’s power.”

While she encountered a few difficulties along the way, Jacquin says she appreciates the tests and trials and wouldn’t change anything about the way things have happened. Looking ahead, she plans to expand the visibility of Long Lasting Life LLC in the Triad. This also includes building strategic partnerships with schools and universities. “We will also focus on educating and serving unserved and underserved communities through accessible CPR training and wellness services,” she says.

The advice Jacquin offers to other aspiring entrepreneurs aligns with her faith in God and trusting His direction. “Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write the vision, and make it plain, that he may run that readeth it”. Write the vision, trust God, stay humble, treat people right, be teachable, and run your own race. A good leader was once a good follower, stay focused and don’t panic. Finally, network and find a mentor.”

Keosha Hooks Fresh Peak Juice

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Keosha Hooks

Keosha Hooks of South Phoenix, AZ, describes herself as a dedicated, kind, and patient young lady. Keosha shares how friends, family and her community reach out to her for various resources. Because of her resourcefulness, she has been given the nickname, “the plug,” from mechanic referrals, to dining, travel and more. “I am happy to be a resource and people connector.”

Keosha is also the owner of Fresh Peak Juice. Her company, which was launched in 2020, offers prepacked, individual juice bottles, as well as ½ gallon and gallon bottles. They specialize in handcrafted Ginger Lemonade, Lavender Lemonade, and Watermelon juice. They also serve corporate events, private parties, and collaborate with food trucks and local restaurants, and offer mocktail service as well.

“Our company began during a time when we lost so many good souls to COVID. I decided to share a natural juice with others to help boost the immune system naturally,” she says. “My boyfriend introduced me to freshly made aloe vera juice, and we added various fruits to help with the bitter taste. We would consume a shot daily, and I noticed how it helped me boost my immune system. When COVID hit and started spreading rapidly in the community, I wanted to help others boost their immune system naturally. This quickly grew to offering Sea Moss juice, Green juice, fruit juice blends, and, most recently, lemonades.”

Keosha obtained her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. She says, “My work experience ranges from customer service, banking claims, social work with the elderly and disabled population, and lowincome families in Head Start. I also have my Health and Life and Accident license and have experience in Account Management. I do not have any children, but I do have a niece and nephew, God kids, and a host of little cousins that I enjoy spending time with.”

Besides Fresh Peak Juice, Keosha hosts a monthly health and wellness event called Nourish and Thrive, where she brings together various business owners in the health and wellness community. At the event, a nutritious plant-based meal is served, and health education is provided while networking is fostered.

Running her company brings Keosha great joy. She shares how she loves seeing her customers’ reactions when they try the various juices or lemonades. “Seeing their reaction is so exciting because I know that I successfully handcrafted what they are enjoying, and I have created several authentic recipes that are 100% natural and nutritious.”

To make things happen at Fresh Peak Juice, Keosha has been able to rely on a supportive team that includes family, friends, a business incubator, and mentors. “There would be no Fresh Peak without my team.” She is also appreciative of the amazing opportunities that continue to arise. “Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know what I am doing, but I keep going. It’s inspiring to hear people in my corner, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. When customers share great feedback, that lets me know that I am on the right path,” she says.

As the new year has settled in, things are looking very promising for Fresh Peak. Keosha is now serving private and corporate events, and shares that will be her focus for 2026. “If you know of someone in need of mocktail service, fresh-pressed juice, or juice shots, we are ready to serve your event.” For other aspiring entrepreneurs who may find themselves on a path similar to Keosha, she offers some words of encouragement. “Start, even if you have just an idea. I did not know what I was doing when I started, and I have learned a lot along the journey. There are tons of free and low-cost resource opportunities available. This includes the Score program, Hustle Phx, Local First AZ, Seed Spot, Tiger Mountain Foundation, and OneMillionAZ. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to me as a resource.”

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Asiah Apple